Things to Do in Samui in April

April Weather in Samui

32°C (89°F) High Temp

26°C (78°F) Low Temp

84 mm (3.3 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is April Right for You?

Advantages

Transitional weather means perfect balance - hot enough for beach activities but with cooling afternoon showers that break the heat, creating comfortable evenings around 26°C (78°F)
Pre-high season pricing - accommodation rates are 30-40% lower than peak June-August period, with luxury resorts offering April promotions before European summer holidays
Optimal sea conditions with 2-3m (6-10 ft) visibility for snorkeling and diving, as March winds have settled but May storms haven't begun
Local fruit season peaks with rambutan, mangosteen, and durian at roadside stalls for ฿20-40 per kg, while restaurants feature seasonal Thai dishes using fresh ingredients

Considerations

Unpredictable rainfall timing - those 10 rainy days can disrupt outdoor plans, with afternoon downpours lasting 30-45 minutes and occasionally extending to 2-3 hours
High humidity at 70% makes 32°C (89°F) feel like 38°C (100°F) during midday hours from 11am-3pm, requiring indoor breaks and extra hydration
Variable weather makes packing challenging - you'll need both sun protection and rain gear, plus layers for air-conditioned spaces that feel arctic after the heat

Best Activities in April

Ang Thong Marine Park Island Hopping

April's calm seas and clear skies between rain showers create perfect conditions for exploring the 42-island archipelago. The emerald lagoon at Ko Mae Ko is most photogenic during April's dramatic cloud formations, and snorkeling visibility reaches 15-20m (49-66 ft). Afternoon rain often passes before reaching the islands.

Booking Tip: Book 7-10 days ahead through licensed marine park operators. Full-day tours typically cost ฿1,800-2,500 including lunch and national park fees. Choose morning departures (8-9am) to maximize clear weather time. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Temple Circuit Motorbike Tours

April's cooler mornings (26-28°C/78-82°F) and evening temperatures make temple-hopping by motorbike comfortable before 10am and after 4pm. Wat Plai Laem and Big Buddha are less crowded, and the golden hour lighting during April's variable sky conditions creates stunning photography opportunities.

Booking Tip: Self-guided motorbike rental costs ฿200-300/day for automatic scooters. Guided temple circuits run ฿1,200-1,800 for half-day tours. Always verify insurance coverage and carry International Driving Permit. Peak temple visiting hours are 6-9am and 5-7pm.

Namuang Waterfall Hiking

April's recent rainfall keeps waterfalls flowing strongly while trails remain manageable. The 30-minute hike to Namuang 1 (18m/59ft) and challenging 90-minute trek to Namuang 2 (80m/262ft) benefit from April's cloud cover reducing UV exposure. Natural pools are perfect for cooling off in 32°C (89°F) heat.

Booking Tip: Entry costs ฿80-100 including parking. Guided nature walks cost ฿800-1,200 per person for 3-4 hour experiences. Visit mornings (7-10am) for best lighting and cooler temperatures. Bring grip shoes as rocks stay wet from April showers.

Fisherman's Village Evening Food Tours

April's evening temperatures dropping to 26°C (78°F) make walking the night market comfortable. Seasonal ingredients like fresh sea bass, local vegetables, and tropical fruits are at peak quality. The covered market areas provide shelter during unpredictable evening showers.

Booking Tip: Self-guided exploration is free, with dishes ranging ฿60-150 each. Organized food tours cost ฿1,500-2,200 for 3-4 hour experiences including tastings. Friday night walking street (4pm-11pm) offers the most variety. Book through certified food tour operators for safety standards.

Sunrise Beach Yoga Sessions

April mornings at 26°C (78°F) with 60% humidity create ideal conditions for beach yoga before the day heats up. Lamai and Chaweng beaches offer the most space and stunning sunrise views over the Gulf of Thailand. Rain typically doesn't start until afternoon.

Booking Tip: Drop-in beach yoga classes cost ฿400-600 per session. Private instruction ranges ฿1,200-2,000 per hour. Sessions run 6:30-7:30am to avoid heat and crowds. Bring your own mat as sand can be rough on rental equipment.

Traditional Thai Cooking Classes

April's afternoon rain makes indoor cultural activities perfect. Local markets have peak seasonal produce, and cooking schools incorporate April specialties like fresh seafood and tropical fruits. Air-conditioned cooking studios provide comfortable relief from outdoor humidity.

Booking Tip: Half-day classes including market visits cost ฿1,800-2,800 per person. Book 3-5 days ahead as class sizes are limited to 8-12 people. Morning classes (9am-1pm) include market shopping before afternoon heat. All ingredients and recipes included.

April Events & Festivals

April 13-15

Songkran Water Festival

Thailand's traditional New Year celebration transforms Samui into a massive water fight zone. Chaweng and Lamai beaches become party epicenters with water guns, music stages, and traditional ceremonies. Local temples offer blessing ceremonies alongside the festivities.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight rain jacket with good ventilation - April downpours are intense but brief, and you'll overheat in plastic ponchos during 70% humidity

SPF 50+ reef-safe sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 even on cloudy days, and marine park regulations require reef-safe formulas

Quick-dry synthetic clothing - cotton stays damp for hours in 70% humidity, while polyester blends dry within 30 minutes

Waterproof phone case or dry bag - afternoon showers arrive suddenly, and you'll want photos during marine activities

Breathable closed-toe shoes - flip-flops are inadequate for temple visits, waterfall hikes, and motorbike riding required at many locations

Electrolyte supplements or rehydration salts - sweating is constant in 32°C (89°F) heat, and hotel water may not replace lost minerals

Lightweight long-sleeve shirt - essential for temple visits, air-conditioned restaurants, and evening mosquito protection

Waterproof day pack 20-30L capacity - for carrying rain gear, extra clothes, and keeping electronics dry during activities

Anti-chafe cream or powder - high humidity and constant sweating cause friction issues during walking and water activities

Insect repellent with DEET 20-30% - April's humidity and standing water from rainfall increase mosquito activity significantly

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations by early March - April falls between Chinese New Year recovery and European summer holidays, creating a pricing sweet spot that savvy travelers exploit

Carry ฿1,000-2,000 cash daily - many local operators, markets, and transport don't accept cards, and ATM fees are ฿220 per transaction for foreign cards

Schedule outdoor activities for 7-10am and 4-7pm windows - locals avoid midday heat and afternoon rain by timing activities around these natural breaks

Download offline maps before arrival - cell service is spotty in marine parks and remote beaches, but GPS still functions for navigation

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking only indoor restaurants - April's pleasant evenings (26°C/78°F) are perfect for beachfront dining, but tourists stick to air-conditioned spaces unnecessarily

Overpacking heavy clothes - many first-timers bring jeans and thick shirts, then suffer in 70% humidity while buying emergency light clothing at inflated resort prices

Ignoring afternoon weather patterns - planning full-day outdoor activities without considering 3-5pm rain windows leads to disappointment and wasted tour fees